What an eye opener!!!And a time to Ramble

i did not realize how much I missed the "boards" here at the OH website. I have been going about this for a year now on my own because I could not get back in. Well here  I am now Baby!!!  I like the fact that I see some old names that I recognize and other newbies.  I hope to be able to contribute and to get help whenever possible. My current "situation" that I find my self in is thqat I have gained 3-6 pounds over the last several months.  I am 20 months out from surgery with maximum weight loss at 85# which occurred after a non-surgery related hospital stay.   Beginning weight 250 Lowest weight 165 Average weight (post - op) 171 Current Weight 178 This represents almost a 10% of loss gained back. I know that I do not eat "right" for one I can't seem to eat with out nausea healthier foods.  chicken is a real struggle for me as is most beef products.  Forget the protein powders and dirinks  I haven't found any that I like or could afford on a regular basis.

An average day would be something like this. Breakfast  - Bacon Egg and Cheese sanwich Lunch - WaWA salad Snacks of Bananas, yogurt, trail mix, and LOTS of popcorn fill the rest of the day. I drink decaf sugar free iced tea almost allday. Dinner is usually a turkey sandwich. (About the only meat I can eat) with cheese, let,tom and pickles....or maybe a corn dog.   Also I do not excercise YET....It is my goal to start. Plan on Joining the Y as soon as it opens in BEAR. I want to start swimming on a daily basis.  None of the Health Clubs in Middletown have pools. I guess my question is this: does anyone have trouble with their taste buds?  Foods I used to be able to eat I can not even look at such as chicken.  Any ideas???? Also thanks for listening. Gary

Gary, Most people have problems with chicken and beef. I think the key  is moisture. If your meat is dry it will make you sick. Try switching to dark meat chicken. Try fat free gravy with it. Chili is a good healthy choice. We all know it comes down to calories in verses calories ou****er and exercise. The plan for exercise will help. My goal for the new year is to work on all the old habits that creeped back in and caused me to gain back some weight myself. I am starting with doing awaywith coffee and getting in my water and exercise. I'm going to try drinking K2O . 64 oz will also give you 20 g of protein. Kind of like getting in  your protein and water together. You might want to try it. You can get it in ice tea flavor. Good luck in the new year. Post often. This board needs the help. See you lighter. Joanne

Joanne, Beware of the calories that lurk in tha****er protein drink by Kelloggs.....I was a bit surprised when I saw the numbers and serving size for it...I am back on my Nectar drink...not as much as before but I do get one in each AM.  Back to the basics again!  I needed that and its helped with the hair loss too!  I find I still like the stuff....amazing huh.  Some things are good and some aren't but we know what they are.....and we have the power to say no its not for me.  I didn't realize coffee was bad....I don't drink it - that's a habit I am glad I never had.  Glad to see you plugging away!  Keep up the good stuff....there is more to come for us this year. Debbie

I looked into those protein water drinks when they first came out on the market.  For the quantity you have to drink, there's just not enough protein, and way too much sugar and calories.  I am sticking to my EAS AdvantEdge shakes.  I try to strive for maximum protein-minimum quantity.  If I have to eat or drink such a large amount of something for such few grams of protein, it isn't worth it to me.  Part of my daily fluid intake is my mug of coffee every day.  I drink alot of water and have a dinky can of diet pepsi from time to time. As far as meat goes, I guess I am lucky.  I haven't had any problems with any kind of meat, no matter how it's cooked.  I just eat slowly and chew, chew, chew.  My only real issue is milk...skim, 2%...it doesn't matter, it just makes my tummy feel miserably full with the smallest amounts.  I sneak in a small serving of cereal once in awhile but I have to sit up for like an hour because it always feels like it's backing up. I've had some gains here and there, mostly monthly fluid weight, but I also get off the wagon occasionally with the carbs...bread, crackers, a few chips.  If I gain, I just get off the carbs, up the protein and fluids and the scales move down again.  I do get bored with the bariatric food choices being so limited.  It's a struggle each day to decide what to eat...I am so sick of yogurt and cottage cheese, but I eat it anyways.  I keep lean lunchmeats like chicken breast, roast beef, turkey, etc..around the house and grab a couple of slices for snacking.  Bulk cheese is a staple around here.  I cut off a hunk or two every day.  I probably eat more eggs than all of you combined.  One jumbo egg has 11 grams protein.  That's alot of protein packed into a very small serving. My goals for 2008 are to get back on my vitamins, tone up the loose skin on the legs and arms, walk alot more, and get back to work full time.  I also want to quit smoking and will keep trying until I do. Since my surgery in October 2006, I have lost half of myself, had my TT/Breast Reduction, and can wear a size 10 pair of Levis, but more comfortable in a 12 with a belt.  All of my plus sizes are gone, replaced with regular size medium/large.  None of my shorts from last summer fit anymore.  Even my shoes are loose.  My eyeglasses slip because my head has shrunk.  My legs are so skinny I should sue them for non-support!  My whole body looks and feels different.  I can breathe better, my blood pressure and cholesterol are within normal limits for my cardiac history(with meds), and the snoring has stopped.  The arthritis pain in my lower back is almost non-existant now.  When it does hurt, regular meds take the pain away so I don't need injections anymore. On the down side, my "pressure points", the areas around my knees, elbows, hips, and my butt are all chronically bruised and sore from sitting and laying down.  My tailbone has been broken twice and there's a floating segment of bone that causes excruciating pain if I sit on it just so.  My pain doctor will address that issue when I see him on January 8.  I'm still rejecting the plastic sutures from my surgery in November.  I've probably pulled out 2 ft. of that stuff since then. I think I got them all, but there are 3 or 4 areas that are still red and angry and I can feel them under there...just have to wait until they emerge so I can pull them out.  Being allergic to any type of plastic suture will become part of my permanent medical record now. Joanne, I am going to make an effort to be at the meeting tomorrow night.  I feel bad for not attending last month after I said I would be there.  Here's hoping we all have good health and stay with the program for 2008! KathyG Highest weight: 300.9 lbs. Current weight: 152 lbs. Goal weight: 150 lbs.

Kathy, Hope you make the meeting tomorrow night. You have done so well for 2007. 2008 will be even better. Your post are very inspiring !!!! Keep posting !!! As for stitches mine are still coming out 1 1/2 years later. I think my hernia is returning. I have had alot of back pain since my repair and am beginning to think it is related. It I press in the area I feel the pain in my back. Oh well another story !!! I tried the K2O when itfirst came out and didn't like it. It was to sweet and had to many calories. The package stuff is different. No sugar, 5g of protein and fiber. 30 calories. I tried the ice tea and lemonade. I like the tea for lemonade was never my favorite. Best of luck with the new year. See you lighter. Joanne

Debbie, First of all we miss you and Tim. Get back soon. If you get the K2O in package form it is 30 calories, 5g of protein , 5g of fiber and 0 sugar. I am looking at if I drink 4 pks a day I will be getting in 20g of protein,20g of fiber, 0 sugar for 120 calories  . Glad to hear you still like the nectar. I still like the protein hot chocolate too. I still have it on my way to work with my coffee. I will keep you posted on any progress or failures. Tell Tim, he has to see Debbie now. She is down about 125 lbs. See you soon. Keep warm. Post often !!! You never know who you will touch !!!!! Watch out 2008 for here we come. See you lighter. Joanne

Well I've had my 10# "bounce back" regain.  I've been warned by Irgau that even though this is fairly normal, he does not want me to gain any more.  And I do not want to gain any more.  I don't like myself at this weight.  I am fat at this weight.  I want to loose my regain plus that last 15# so I can get to my goal.  AND My blood pressure is creeping up again.  I DO NOT want to go back on medication!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know EXACTLY what I've done wrong.  I am not exercising and I am eating the wrong things.  Too much sugar and carbs.  I have started loosing my hair again so I know I'm not getting enough protein.  I am completely ashamed of myself. I have started adding my unflavored unjury to my morning coffee to combat my hair loss.  I am trying to watch my carb/sugar intake and have increased my fiber and vitamins.  It's ski season so I will be skiing just about every weekend and I am looking at purchasing a treadmill (or dreadmill as my friend Nicci calls them).  Actually if anyone wants to sell me theirs let me know.  I love to read and I figure that if I get a TM that has a book holder I can kill 2 birds with 1 stone.